Catherine Dorothy Guetter was born July 14, 1920 in Wabasso, MN to Joseph and Emelia (Hoffman) Guetter. She grew up there, attending St. Anne’s Catholic School through tenth grade. In 1937, Kate married George Tingelhoff at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. The couple later divorced.

The couple moved to West Point, where they raised their family. Kate worked at Wimmers, as an aide at the hospital, and as a waitress at Vet’s Club and Bud’s Café, retiring in the late 1990s. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guild, Christian Mothers, American Legion Auxiliary, and VFW Auxiliary. Kate’s favorite pastimes included bingo, socializing, and time at the Sunshine Center.